May 16 @ 9:15 PM – WILDFIRE UPDATE
Grizzly Complex – SWF057 (Grizzly Ridge Wildfire), SWF063 (East Prairie, Gilwood & Banana Belt Wildfire), SWF064 (Blue Lake Wildfire)
The hot, dry and windy conditions today resulted in increased fire behavior across all wildfires in the Grizzly Complex. In total there are 88 firefighters,14 helicopters and six heavy equipment groups working on the Grizzly complex wildfires.
SWF-057 (Grizzly Ridge Wildfire) – located approximately 26 kilometres south of Kinuso and over 30 kilometers southwest of the Town of Slave Lake, is classified as out of control and has burned an estimated 8,136 hectares. There was increased fire activity today on the south side of the wildfire due to the strong and gusty winds from the northwest. The growth was not significant. Firefighters with helicopters are working on the active area and heavy equipment is working to build fire guard. Firefighters with nodwells continue to work along the highway 33 to extinguish hotspots. There are 29 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
SWF-063 (East Prairie, Gilwood & Banana Belt Wildfire) – located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie and approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Swan Hills is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 69,074 hectares. Due to winds from the northwest, the wildfire did experience some growth to the southeast. In the late afternoon, smoke suppressed the fire intensity. Firefighters are assessing ignition opportunities to create fire guards. Firefighters continued to work in areas around and within the East Prairie Metis Settlement and on the north side of the wildfire in the rural areas near the community of High Prairie. There are 50 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
SWF-064 (Blue Lake Wildfire) – is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,222 hectares. Smoky conditions prevented firefighters from observing the wildfire today and all firefighting efforts were focused on SWF063 and SWF057. There are two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
SWF068 – The Kimiwan Complex/Peavine Wildfire (SWF068 and PWF038) – is classified as Out of Control (OC). Strong gusting wends yesterday evening and overnight resulted in this wildfire’s growth south and east by about 26,000 ha. It is estimated to be approximately 90,000 ha in size. Peavine Metis Settlement is under a mandatory evacuation notice due to the fire’s activity on the southwest flank. The wildfire’s north perimeter is approximately 38 kilometers south of Cadotte Lake and 39 kilometers south of Little Buffalo. PWF038 is also OC, and approximately 6,207 ha. It has remained relatively stable, with wildland firefighters patrolling and putting out hotspots to maintain containment lines.
Smoky conditions
Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check www.511.Alberta.ca for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Slave Lake Forest Area and Peace River Forest Area. With the return of extremely warm temperatures and gusty winds, firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution as a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. There is a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction in effect. visit www.albertafirebans.ca. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Reporting wildfires
We have firefighters in aircraft working on the out of control wildfires and fire lookouts watching for smoke. While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from fighting wildfires. As always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that large columns of smoke and burned over areas have already been detected and reported.
On Alert
With the recent lightning, we may see new wildfire starts especially lightning holdovers in the days to come. Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Alberta Emergency Alert
A provincial state of emergency has been declared for Alberta. Critical alerts and advisories have been and could be issued for communities around active wildfires. Visit http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for details. Albertans who require assistance can also call 310-4455 for evacuation related information.
Be Prepared
Learn about wildfires and what you can do to be prepared. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx
